Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed Friday, May 10, as Paychecks for Patriots Day in Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Florida National Guard are partnering with Dollar General and more than 115 private employers throughout the state to connect Florida’s veterans and their families with immediate career opportunities through ten Paychecks for Patriots events this Friday.

Governor Scott said, “Paychecks for Patriots Day is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate support for veterans transitioning to civilian life with a new job. We all owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and we want every veteran to have an opportunity to pursue their dreams here in Florida.”

At ten locations throughout the state on Friday, May 10, Paychecks for Patriots will match veterans and their families with employers who value knowledge, skills, and attributes attained during military experience.

“DEO is honored to participate in the Paychecks for Patriots program to ensure every Florida veteran has the opportunity to find a job that fits his or her skills and interests,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “As we work to support Florida’s military families in various capacities, these events will help Florida’s veterans find career opportunities that strengthen their families, communities, and Florida.”

“The Paychecks for Patriots initiative is another reason Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Mike Prendergast, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Nearly a quarter of a million veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan claim the Sunshine State as their home. While many are returning to Florida colleges and universities using the Post 9/11GI Bill, others are looking for meaningful employment. This 10-city veteran hiring initiative goes a long way to helping our returning veterans.”

“Our Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen accept many risks and hardships as they serve our communities, our state and our nation. But one of those hardships should not be unemployment,” said The Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. “We appreciate those employers that are willing to hire our servicemembers and veterans, and we applaud the efforts of everyone who has helped make these Paychecks for Patriots events possible. Thank you for supporting our Call to Service.”

“The Department of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), Florida Committee, is honored to participate in the statewide Dollar General “Paychecks for Patriots” hiring event on May 10, 2013,” said Judge Greg Holder. “In conjunction with the new ESGR Hero to Hired (H2H) program, we will compliment Governor Rick Scott, Dollar General, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Workforce Florida, Inc.’s tremendous efforts to help all Military Service Members and their family members obtain new or better employment in our great State of Florida!”

“Dollar General is deeply committed to the military community, which is reflected in the thousands of veterans we hire each year,” said Bob Ravener, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief people officer. “Dollar General is proud to collaborate on this innovative public-private partnership and is coordinating with the Florida military community to match employers dedicated to assisting veterans and their families find careers that best meet their backgrounds and aspirations.”

Veterans or their family members interested in pursuing the career opportunities who are unable to attend a Paychecks for Patriots hiring event can view and apply for available positions online at www.employflorida.com. More information is also available at www.floridajobs.org/calendar.